Washington Redskins

Last season was a rough one for the Giants, but they still managed to pick up two victories over the Washington Redskins.

The Redskins have since undergone some changes, including the hiring of a new head coach in Jay Gruden. They also brought in noted Giant killer DeSean Jackson.

The games between these two teams should be competitive this season, but the Giants' biggest advantage could be inside the battle in the trenches, particularly in the middle.

New York added free-agent guard Geoff Schwartz along with center J.D. Walton. They then used a second-round pick to select center Weston Richburg.

Eli Manning should be surrounded by much better protection this year than he was last season.

Schwartz and either Richburg or Walton should be able to combine with Chris Snee to overpower the middle of the Washington defense, which will have to find a way to replace veteran linebacker London Fletcher.

New York will be able to use Rashad Jennings and the running game to pound the ball at Washington, leading to Manning hitting some big plays to his receivers down the field later.

It wouldn't be a surprise to see the Giants sweep the Redskins once again.

Philadelphia Eagles

Michael Perez/Associated Press

The Eagles look to be the stiffest competition inside the NFC East for the Giants.

If New York is to get the better of the two games this season, it must limit mistakes. Though the teams split their two games last year, the Giants committed five turnovers and 23 penalties in those two games.

The Giants will be tasked with slowing down Chip Kelly's college-style offense, and quarterback Nick Foles has plenty of weapons to complement him.

However, DeSean Jackson is no longer one of them.

It's tough to identify an advantage for the Giants at this stage of the offseason, but if they are to defeat Philadelphia, they need to throw off the rhythm and timing of the offense.

Cornerback Walter Thurmond could play a big role in these games by getting physical with the Philadelphia receivers. He can bring over what he learned in Seattle to disrupt what the Eagles like to do.

In addition to that, defensive ends Jason Pierre-Paul, Damontre Moore and Robert Ayers need to get pressure on Foles.

Tackles Jason Peters and Lane Johnson need to be tested often. The Giants are at their best when their defensive line is dominant, and with players like Johnathan Hankins and Cullen Jenkins in the middle, they can push the Eagles offensive line around.